IN a picturesque setting marked by perfect weather, Round 10 saw North take on Central for the final time this season.
Central won the toss and, perhaps underestimating the formidable North bowling attack, opted to bat first, setting the stage for a riveting contest.
Ellie Simmons opened the bowling for North and quickly made her mark, striking with her third delivery of the innings.
A well-placed ball found its way into the safe hands of Brooklyn Gibson, claiming the first wicket and putting Central on the back foot early.
As the innings progressed, Central’s batters attempted to assert themselves, looking for quick runs.
However, their ambitions were thwarted when Simmons, demonstrating exceptional awareness, fielded a returning shot and sent a direct hit to Brooklyn, resulting in a straightforward run-out and leaving Central at 2/18.
The pressure continued to build as Lily Martin capitalised on a loose delivery, only to edge it to Gibson once again.
With Central struggling to find their rhythm, they found themselves at 4/34 after just seven overs, thanks to the relentless pressure exerted by the North bowlers.
Steph Balman entered the attack and made an immediate impact, clean bowling Renee Hall with a delivery that left the Central batter bewildered.
The very next ball saw Gibson execute a sharp stumping, leaving Central reeling at 6/36.
Following a brief drinks break, Gibson transitioned from wicket-keeping to fielding, where she continued to shine, taking another catch that allowed Cassie Mac to claim a wicket.
Central’s innings faltered further, and the captain, Sophie Milne, stepped in to bowl, quickly dismissing Paegan Hall with a clean bowled, bringing the score to 8/60.
Simmons capped off a stellar bowling performance by taking another catch, this time to Stevie behind the stumps, with Central now staring down the barrel at 9/60.
Mak Victory, after a determined season, finally found reward for her hard work, taking her first wicket for the blue and white, with her father and coaches cheering “about time” from the sidelines and sealing Central’s fate as they were bowled out for just 68 runs.
With a modest target set, North opted to rest their key players and promote some less-familiar faces in the batting order.
Simmons and Jess Musgrove took to the crease, and Simmons quickly made her presence felt, smashing two boundaries and rotating the strike effectively.
Musgrove supported her well, and with the help of extras, North chased down the target comfortably within just 12 overs 1/69, Simmons finished as the top scorer with 19 runs, looking composed throughout her innings.
Looking ahead, the team faces a significant challenge against South at the Jubilee Oval tonight, with the match scheduled to begin at 6pm.
There’s also talk of a barbecue, so fans are encouraged to come down and enjoy some cricketing action while getting a glimpse of potential grand final matchups.
Central 10/68 ( S Balman 2/5, E Simmons 2/20, M Kelly 8, R Hall 8 ) defeated by North 1/69 (E Simmons 19, J Musgrove 7*, P Hall 1/14)
